"Being with Cassie over the years has meant everything to me," she said. "I've got as much as I've given, and it's been a wonderful experience for me to feel I can still do some good at my age of 82 and still make a positive change to a young person's life."

The state honor was announced March 2 at a celebration for all nominees at Universal Orlando. Guests spent the day in the theme parks, attended an awards dinner and participated in the Mardi Gras Parade.

Peterson will represent Florida in the national competition for the 2013 National Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year. The winner will be announced in June in Denver, Colo.